Trade unions take fight for Portland's manufacturing industry to Melbourne

By
SEAN McCOMISH

Jan. 5, 2013, 4 a.m.

TRADE unions are planning to take the fight for Portland’s manufacturing industry to the streets of Melbourne.

TRADE unions are planning to take the fight for Portland’s manufacturing industry to the streets of Melbourne.

The Australian Workers Union (AWU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) are in the late stages of organising bus loads of demonstrators to put pressure on energy companies to use Australian-made wind turbines.

Preparations for the protest comes just months after Portland turbine maker Keppel Prince lost a key contract.

AMWU Portland organiser Mark Solly said demonstrators would likely arrive in Melbourne at the start of February.

“What we’re doing is going to a couple of energy retailers where we’ll try to encourage them to use local content,” Mr Solly said.

A public petition is still circulating to collect signatures to support the manufacturer.